norwester - spring 2008

7/30/2019 NorWester - Spring 2008

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InsuranceCertifcates............

AlumniUpdates......................

WinascholarshipatBBQ.......

Planaheadcalendar..............

APublication

Alumni&Frien

oNorthweste

MichiganColle

Spring2008

StarsshineaboveatTCsStateTheatre

Audiences in downtown raverse Citysrestored State Teatre can see stars bothon the screen and overhead, thanks to theeorts o NMC instructor and astronomer

Jerry Dobek.In advance o the theaters grand re-open-ing by the raverse City Film Festival lastNovember, Dobek dedicated hundredso hours to designing and installing a60-by-60 oot starry night sky in theStates ceiling. More than 2,000 ber opticstars replicate the northern Michigan skyin mid-August.

Completed in only two weeks, the projectwas an adventure and a chore, Dobek

said. Hes still tweaking, adjusting theluminosity o various stars to mimic theirreal level o brightness in the sky. Sometwinkle and certain constellations, like theBig and Little Dipper, stand out. Dobek,who also runs NMCs Rogers Observatory,plans to create a sky guide, available in thelobby, so patrons can navigate the ceiling.

Starry theater skies are not a new idea, butthe States is believed to be the rst truedepiction. Dobek, a 1998 NMC alumnus

as well as a 10-year veteran o the aculty,hopes to eventually use it as a stationaryplanetarium, bringing in school groupsduring the theaters o hours.

NMCs connections to raverse Citysnewest hot spot continue in the lobby.Artist Glenn Wol, a 1973 alumnus,painted two murals there, depicting thetheaters two previous opening nights: asthe Lyric in 1916 and the State in 1949.See p. 4 for photo and further details.

Starry nights are in the State Theatres orecast thanks to NMC alumnus and instructor Jerry D

New lightpaintings exhibit at theDennos Museum Center. See page 6.


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The NorWester is published by the

NMC Ofce o Institutional Advancement.

Alumni news and updates may be submit-

ted online at www.nmc.edu/alumni or by

e-mailing [email protected]

For correspondence and address updates:

1701 E. Front Street

Traverse City, MI 49686

(231) 995-1021 (877) 922-1021

Editor: Paul HeatonWriter: Cari Noga

NMC Board o Trustees:

Walter J. Hooper, Chair

K. Ross Childs, Vice-Chair

Robert T. Brick, Secretary

William D. Myers, Treasurer

Douglas S. Bishop

Cheryl Gore Follette

Elaine C. Wood

NMC President

Timothy J. Nelson

Timothy J. Nelson

Weatheringthestorm

2

Despite Michigans economic doldrums and the ensuingimpact on unding or community colleges NMC has beendiligently weathering the storm.

NMC will receive $8.8 million rom the state this year basically the same amount we received eight years ago. Yet NMChas expanded its services and programs while keeping tuition

and ee increases modest. Our 3.2 percent tuition increase lasyear was ourth lowest in Michigan, and ar below that o moour-year schools.

During those same eight years the number o people we serveincreased dramatically, yet our cost per student remained abo

the same. Tats a signicant increase in productivity.

Our average class size also remains impressive 20 students.

Our NMC Foundation is a national leader in unds raised. Gits to the NMCFoundation each year allow us to award more scholarship dollars to more studentsthan any other community college in Michigan. See p. 3 for more on the Foundations

scholarship giving.Tese are remarkable accomplishments, especially considering the bleak state undingpicture. NMCs aculty and sta work diligently to be good stewards o the tax dollawe receive and the tuition and ees we charge.

Also impressive are the results o a new independent survey about community at-titudes and awareness o NMC. Findings rom the random phone surveys conductedthroughout our six-county service area by EPIC-MRA o Lansing include:

Overall academic reputation: 93% positive rating Value o an NMC education: 95% positive Overall reputation: 96% positive

Tank you or this incredible vote o condence. Know, however, that NMC alwayslooks or new ways to improve and to meet the learning needs o the communities wserve. As always, your dedication and participation help make this success possible.

GitstotheNMC

Foundationeach

yearallowus

toawardmore

scholarship

dollarstomore

studentsthan

anyothercom-

munitycollege

inMichigan.

From the President

FromthearchivesGraduates o the class o 1973 accept their diplomas at commencement ceremonies held under tpines on NMCs campus 35 years ago. This year NMC graduated some 450 students. Ceremonieswere held at Traverse City Central High School May 3.


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Thisyear,NMCs

AnnualCampaign

raised$330,000

itslargestgoal

everandattracted

70newdonors.

Tanks to hundreds o generousdonors, the NMC Foundation is proudto award more scholarship dollars tomore students than any communitycollege in Michigan.

In the 2008-09 school year, the Foun-dation will achieve several momentousmilestones:

Awarding $1 million in scholarshipdollars to students in all 60 NMCprogram areas.

Awarding the rst scholarships romthe Margaret Furney estate. A retiredteacher who believed wholeheartedlyin the value o higher education, Mrs.Furney passed away in 2007, leaving

NMC a $1.1 million estate to be usedor scholarships or single parents.

Awarding a two-year ull tuition schol-arship in celebration o the 500,000thguest at the NMC Barbecue May 18.Te benet picnic will mark its 53rdyear this year. Call (231) 995-1020for tickets.

Scholarship giving draws donors rom allwalks o lie. NMC scholarships comerom the amous singer Gordon Light-

oot established scholarships or GreatLakes Maritime cadets back in 1976 to the not-so-amous, including manymemorial scholarships honoring ormerNMC instructors andstudents. See p. 5 for twoof the newest.

A major source o schol-arship unding is NMCsAnnual Campaign, whichthis year reached its larg-

est goal ever $330,000 and attracted morethan 70 new donors. Another dedicatedsource is the annual NMC ScholarshipOpen, this year scheduled or August 7 atCrystal Mountain. Sponsors and playersare needed or this annual event, whichraised more than $76,000 or scholar-ships last year. Call (231) 995-1021for more information.

Grateul recipients o NMC scholarships lenda hand at the 2007 NMC Scholarship Open,which raised more than $76,000. Sponsors andplayers are wanted or this years tournament call (231) 995-1021.

Whatever the origin, however, all scholar-ships mean the same thing to the grateul

student recipients:A chance to ocuson their uture.For many, scholar-ships may be therst expression thatsomeone believesin their potential,

said Chris Studenka,NMCs Director o

Development. For others, scholarshipseliminate the need or part-time jobs,allowing them to concentrate exclusivelyon their studies.

To fnd out more about giving to the NMCFoundation, whether through scholarships,a planned git, gol tournament participationor annual und contributions, contact theOfce o Institutional Advancement at(231) 995-1021.

Foundationtoaward$1millioninscholarships

Insurancecertifcatescomingthisall

In response to requests rom areaemployers, NMC will add a programin insurance studies this all.

Te new business program will oerthree certicates, with a concentration

in each o these areas: Personal Insurance Lie and Health Insurance Commercial Insurance

Careers in the insurance industry oercompetitive entry-level positions that wreward people who aspire to positionswith almost unlimited earning potentiasaid Mark Priskorn o the Fawcett DopAgency, adding that the industry hashad a shortage o high quality younger

employees in recent years.

Te three certicates are designed tobuild on one another. Te program alsois designed as an area o concentrationor students seeking an Associates Degrin Business Administration.

Several area insurance agencies workedwith business aculty member Mary AnLinsell to develop the curriculum. Teyalso have committed more than $4,500in scholarships to assist students enterinthe program.

For details, visit www.nmc.edu/businessor call (231) 995-1169.

CollegeorKidsstartsJune16NMCs Extended Education division isnow registering kids 4-17 summer classeson topics including art,music, dance, science,technology and outdoor

adventures.

Schedules are online atwww.nmc.edu/ees orcall (231) 995-1700.Meanwhile, Learnor Lie noncreditadult summerclasses beginJune 9. Print andonline scheduleswill be availableMay 22.

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SeeoldriendsandacultyattheAlumniReceptiona

4

Alumniupdates

Receive the latest alumni news right in your inbox.Go to www.nmc.edu/alumni and click on AlumniE-mail List. Youll receive one or two messagesper month, and NMC does not sell or share yourpersonal contact inormation. Also on the alumniweb page you can submit updates about yoursel orsend them to alumni@nmc.

1960s

Patricia K. Batta (1959-1961) studied liberal artsat NMC and now lives in Traverse City. She recentlypublished a mystery, What Did You Do Beore Dy-ing? and has a second in the series, Why Did YouDie in the Park? coming out in 2008.

Janet (Vaughn) Pierce (1963-1965) lives inHermitage, Tenn., where she is employed withVanderbilt Childrens Hospital in Nashville. She alsocontracts or nursing jobs across the country, re-quently visiting Boston, Houston and Denver, whereher children and grandchildren live. She also enjoysreading, gardening and riding her motorcycle.

Jacquelyn (Jackie) Freeman (1964-1966)studied Humanities at NMC and now lives in SuttonsBay serving as a Village Council Trustee. She ownsand operates Michigan Debt Settlement, a summerwedding business, and a summer consignmentshop, The Madwomans Attic. She holds BFA andmasters degrees.

1970s

Michael A. Pearson (1968-1970) lives in Spring-feld, Va., and is the Assistant Director, U.S. MarshalsService. He previously obtained his BS in CriminalJustice rom Michigan State University in 1972and his Masters o Forensic Science rom GeorgeWashington University in 1979.

Gary L. Bender (1973-1974) studied Liberal Artsat NMC. He now lives in East Lansing and worksas an attorney with the frm o Murphy, Brenton &Spagnuolo, P.C., specializing in business transac-tions, corporate governance, commercial litigation,securities, entertainment and art law.

Gary & Barb (Bowman) Lundquist (1973-1975)Gary graduated rom NMC in Parks and Recreation& Art. Barb graduated rom the University o Iowain Computer Science. The couple moved to IowaCity where Gary bought the amily business, LundyHallmark Store, and Barb works in programming atthe University. They have 3 children.

Patrick Reay (1973-1975) graduated rom NMCand earned a BS in Marketing rom Northern Michi-gan University in 1977. Now a sales vice presidentwith AT&Ts Enterprise Business Division, Patrickresides in Shorewood, Wis., and one o his two sonscurrently attends NMC.

Sherry Burley (1974-1976) Sherry graduated rom

NMC as a Licensed Practical Nurse, and works orthe Detroit Medical Center-Huron Valley-Sinai Hospi-tal as a R.N. in the operating room. She returned toschool and graduated with an Associate o Sciencein Nursing in 2002. Sherry and her husband Dave(NMC grad 1975) have two grown sons and have

just fnished their retirement cottage near Gaylord.

David Schultz (1974-1976) currently lives inBloomfeld Hills ater retiring rom 30 years as ap-Police ofcer. He studied Criminal Justice at NMCand is a sel-employed security consultant.

Maureen OConnor Nugent (1974-1977) resiin Gaylord where she opened her own yarn shopImagiknit. She studied Aviation Science and spe15 years as a court reporter.

Steve Trupiano (1977-1979) is sel-employedworking as an independent engineer or a pharm

ceutical company. He studied Electronics Technant NMC and now lives in Marblehead, Mass.

Timothy Nixon (1979) studied Maritime SciencNMC and now lives and practices law in Green BWis. He has been named to the American Bank-ruptcy Law Journals 2008 Editorial Advisory BoHe is a team leader o Godrey & Kahns BusinesFinance and Restructuring Practice group.

1980s

Allan P. Chrenka (1979-1982) studied in NMCMaritime program and is now working on the LaMichigan Car Ferry- SS Badger as a Mate, Pilot

Alternate Captain. He lives in Traverse City.

Daniel J. Farrier (1983-1985) studied Engineeat NMC and earned both a B.S. and M.S. in Geocal Engineering at Michigan Technological UniveIn 1990 he was hired by Shell Oil as a Hydrogeogist. Since then, he has had various assignmentwith Shell and currently resides in Tomball, Texawhere he is an elder in his church and is raisingthree sons with his wie Shannon.

John Haeussler (1985-1987) lives in Hancockhis wie Megan and two children. He telecommuto the University o Michigans Survey Researchcenter and is also a stay-at-home dad.

AttentiontodetailArtist and 1973 NMC alumnus Glen Wol works on one o the two murals he painted in the lobby o Traverse Citys State Theater. To complete themurals in a fve-week time rame, he was assisted by a crew o six painters including NMC adjunct instructor Joan Richmond and student Keith KaThe murals are Wols most visible, permanent work. To be in that tradition o public art is great, he said.


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6/86

NMCnamesNISODwinners

Science instructors Dr. KeithOverbaugh and Mary Jo Elliottwere named the 2007-08 winners oNISOD teaching excellence awards atNorthwestern Michigan College.

Dr.KeithOverbaugh

I am honored to help so manypeople thatare hoping tomake a betterlie or them-selves and theiramily. Manyare underincredible pres-

sure to balanceschool, amilyand work, said Overbaugh, a biologyinstructor since 1989, o the award.

MaryJoElliott

Te students appreciate my stayingcurrent with the technology avail-able that allows increased student

interaction,said Elliott,who joined thechemistry ac-ulty in 2001.

NMC is oneo more than700 commu-nity collegemembers o

NISOD, the National Institute orSta & Organizational Development.Afliated with the University o exasat Austin, NISOD nominees arejudged on criteria include commit-ment to learning, proessionalism andrelationships with both students andcolleagues.

The Dennos Museum Center showcases the Lightpaintings of Stephen Knapp throughAug. 31. Knapp flls the walls with vibrant color using only mirrors, dichroic flters andocused light sources. The exhibition will eature a broad selection o his stunning

creations. Visit www.dennosmuseum.org or call (231) 995-1055 or more inormation.

NMCcongratulatesthese2008retirees,andthanksthemortheiryearsoservice.

DebbyDisch, Coordinator o Business Plan Development, 6 years

KarenGiddis, Writing Center Coordinator, 23 years

AnnIvers, Health Occupations instructor, 16 years

AnnePatrick, Health Occupations instructor, 23 years

MargeryTaylor, Health Occupations instructor, 13 years

Fantasticlight


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Last: First: Initial:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Phone: ( ) Work: ( )

E-mail address:

What years did you attend NMC?:

Programs o study:

Proessional and personal accomplishments:

KeepintouchwithNMC

Please help us stay in touch with you by providing your current contact inormation.(Please note that NMC does not sell or share your personal contact inormation.)

Information provided below may be included on the Alumni

Updates section of our website, and in a future NorWester.

7

Mail to: Northwestern Michigan College E-mail to: [email protected] o Institutional Advancement Alumni news and updates may also be1701 E. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49686 submitted online at www.nmc.edu/alumni

PlanaheadMarkyourcalendarortheollowingupcomingNMCevents:

May 15

nternational Affairs Forum lecture

Ambassador Ernest H. Preeg speaks on

India and China in the Global Economy

6 p.m., Milliken Auditorium

May 18

53rd annual NMC Barbecue

11 a.m.-5 p.m., Main Campus

May 19

Stories, Scribbles and Wiggles toddler program

CANVAS: Exploring a 3D environment

10:30-11:30 a.m., Dennos Museum Center

May 23, June 7 & 27, July 12 & 25,

Aug. 9 & 29, Sept. 6 & 26

Free Public Viewing Nights

9-11 p.m., Rogers Observatory

June 14Kids Free Fishing Day

10 a.m. 2 p.m., Great Lakes campus

June 15

Arctic Travelogue

4 p.m., Dutmers Theater

June 19

nternational Affairs Forum lecture

Former Canadian ambassador and Michigan

governor James J. Blanchard speaks on

U.S. Canadian Relations

6 p.m., Milliken Auditorium

June 23

Stories, Scribbles and Wiggles toddler program

Light and Color

10:30-11:30 a.m., Dennos Museum Center

August 7

NMC Scholarship Open (see p. 3)

Crystal Mountain

Visit www.nmc.edu or regular news andcalendar updates. Sign up to receivecustomized news and inormation via

e-mail at www.nmc.edu/news

VisitthelandotheInuitThe Dennos Museum Center

is sponsoring a cruise tour

o the Canadian Arctic,

homeland o its signature

Inuit art collection, in August

or September 2009 in partner-

ship with Adventure Canada

Tours.

Museum store manager

Terry Tarnow has made the

trip twice beore and will

present a travelogue at

4 p.m. Sunday, June 15,

in the Dutmers Theatre.

Right, ormer NMC employee

Ruth Rague, museum docent

Evelyn Johnson, Tarnow and

docent Chad Tuts are pic-

tured on the Hudson Straits

in 2005.

Also aboard the 100-pas-

senger ship will be a resource

team made up o Inuit artists

and scholars, botanists,

biologists, photographers

and geologists.

For more inormation,contact Tarnow [email protected] or(231) 995-1587.


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Lets all do the BBQ!

May 18, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Winaulltuitionscholarship.See p. 5.

Non-ProftOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAID

Traverse City, MPermit No. 170

APublication

Alumni&Frien

oNorthweste

MichiganColle

Spring2008

1701 East Front Street Traverse City, Michigan 49686

Change Service Requested

NMCs2008OutstandingAlumnus:ToddMcMillenraverse City business owner odd

McMillen, owner o McMillens CreativeCustom Framing, is NMCs 2008Outstanding Alumnus.

Now in its 20th year, NMCs Out-standing Alumnus award recognizesalumni who donate their time, talentand resources to NMC in addition tosignicant proessional achievements andcommunity and proessional leadership.

Owner o the downtown shop ormerly

know at the Instant Framer since 1988,McMillen graduated rom NMC in1985 and subsequently studied graphicdesign at Kendall School o Design inGrand Rapids.

I always said the education I got atNMC ar outweighed the education Igot at the private school, said McMillen,a Gaylord native who lived in East Hallon campus.

He particularly remembers the lielong

riends he made at NMC as well as

longtime instructors

including Paul Welch,Jill Hinds, Jack Osegovicand Walt Beardslee. Whilea student he served as theart director or the NMCMagazine, which continuesto publish today.

Since returning to raverseCity he has remained anactive, ardent supporter oNMC and particularly the

Dennos Museum Center.

Among McMillens contributions tothe college:

Supporting NMCs Scholarship Opengol tournament since 1995

Involved in Dennos strategic planning

In 2007, installed the Dennos-curatedexhibit o Michigan artwork in Gover-nor Jennier Granholms home

Major donor or the outdoor sculpture

Nexus, created by ellow alumna Sally

Todd McMillen

Rogers and displayed east

o NMCs Health & Sci-ence Building

McMillen was workingwith the nonprot raverseArea Arts Council whenthe initial planning or themuseum began. It was anatural t, he said.

Im a very big advocate orthe arts, and public art in

public places. You kind ogravitate toward things that hit home,McMillen said.

His community involvements includeserving as vice president o the Down-town raverse City Association. Heis also active with the Goodwill Inn,receiving its volunteer o the year awardin 2007.

A dinner in McMillens honor will beheld later this year.

norwester - spring 2008

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